TMJ Jaw Pain
Jaw Pain FAQs – TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of the Greater Toronto Area
Q. What are the most common causes of jaw pain?
A. Jaw pain can develop from several factors, including teeth grinding, muscle tension, arthritis, injury, or temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Identifying the source of discomfort is an important first step toward long-term relief.
Q. When should I seek care for jaw hurting or soreness?
A. If your jaw hurts consistently, worsens over time, or interferes with eating and speaking, it may be time to schedule an evaluation. Ongoing jaw hurting may be related to TMJ issues or muscle strain that can benefit from professional care.
Q. What does TMJ jaw pain feel like?
A. TMJ jaw pain may feel like aching near the joint, soreness when chewing, tightness in the face, or pain that spreads toward the ear or temple. Some patients also notice clicking, popping, or limited jaw movement.
Q. Why do I have jaw pain on the left side?
A. Jaw pain left side discomfort may occur due to uneven bite pressure, one-sided clenching, inflammation in the TMJ, or muscle imbalance. A clinical assessment can help determine what’s contributing to the pain.
Q. What are the options for jaw pain treatment?
A. Jaw pain treatment depends on the cause, but may include oral appliances, jaw muscle therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and supportive TMJ-focused care. Dr. Richard Goodfellow develops individualized treatment plans to improve comfort and jaw function.
Q. How can I find jaw pain relief from muscle tension?
A. Jaw pain relief often starts with reducing strain on the jaw muscles. For patients with jaw muscle pain, treatment may include gentle exercises, stress management, bite support, and therapies aimed at relaxing overworked muscles.
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